Beaufurn, Inc.

The cafes of Paris inspired furniture executive and entrepreneur Bill Bongaerts to create a business dedicated to supplying the hospitality industry. Upon seeing the hand-woven bistro chairs that dotted every corner establishment, Bongaerts had a feeling they would sell well in the U.S. And he was right. Beaufurn began in 1998 and its first product – those French, hand-woven bistro chairs – proved wildly successful, and sustained the company through its first years of business. Once firmly established, product lines grew to include tables, lounge furniture and umbrellas for both indoor and outdoor environments. And the company’s market segments expanded into contract, education and entertainment. Commercial furnishings may translate as ordinary to some, but Beaufurn’s products are anything but. Significant Italian, French and Belgian influence is evident; clean lines, novel shapes and pops of color dominate the design palate. While a commitment to dynamic design is foremost, a promise of environmental responsibility isn’t far behind. The company is committed to producing sustainable designs through its practices, processes and materials. Woods are FSC certified, foams are soy-based and finish options include water-based lacquers. Upholstery selections include biodegradable synthetic leather, recycled fabric or 100 percent natural and renewable cork. The company’s first offices were in Clemmons, N.C., a community outside Winston-Salem, where it quickly outgrew the 14,000-square-foot space. By 2006, the company moved to Winston-Salem with offices and warehouse space equaling 46,000 square feet. Steady growth continued, even through the recession, and in 2013 Beaufurn relocated to the local community of Advance, where it thrives in a manufacturing, warehouse and office facility encompassing 85,000 square feet.